Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie: The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Technical Employees Union has condemned the recent incident of misbehaviour and physical assault on technical staff in Paonta Sahib.
In a joint press statement issued here, union state secretary Baljit Singh and executive member Kuldeep Raj called for immediate action from the board’s management to ensure the safety of its technical workforce and prevent such incidents from recurring.
Field staff under pressure, recruitment demands grow
Baljit Singh emphasised that the number of technical and field employees is steadily declining despite a growing consumer base, leaving the existing workforce under immense pressure.
He urged the state government and the board management to initiate fresh recruitment drives for field and technical staff. He also reiterated long-standing demands, including restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for electricity board employees, a clear and permanent policy for outsourced staff and relief for employees affected by recent changes in recruitment and promotion rules.
Shortage of material, delayed promotions in Chamba, Kangra
Executive member Kuldeep Raj highlighted the acute shortage of materials needed for daily operations, which is hampering efficiency and placing additional strain on workers.
He noted that such shortages are particularly problematic in the Kangra zone, where delays in departmental promotion committees are depriving employees of their rightful career progression.
He specifically pointed to the plight of technical staff stationed in remote Pangi valley of Chamba district. The 2017 batch of T-Mates posted in Kilad division has yet to receive their first promotion, whereas their counterparts in other divisions are now eligible for promotion to the post of Lineman.
“The main issue is the severely skewed promotion ratio in the Kilad division. Out of 47 T-Mates in the region, there are only 10 sanctioned posts for Assistant Linemen and 11 for Linemen,” Kuldeep Raj stated.
Union calls for structural reforms
The union leaders have demanded that the number of sanctioned posts for Assistant Linemen and Linemen be increased in underserved divisions like Kilad. They stressed that this is the only way to ensure timely DPCs and promotional opportunities for long-serving employees.
They concluded by urging the Electricity Board management to prioritise the safety, welfare and career growth of technical employees who form the backbone of the power infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, especially those working in remote and challenging terrains.
